The dance continued with high impact moves and flips that stunned the audience. Two minutes into the routine, the song "Beat It" grew louder as their song faded. Diesel walked across the stage as Casey spun. She turned into him and immediately stopped. Diesel began dancing slow and seductive with Casey. Casey pulled away as part of the dance routine. Ruger slid over in a dance move and attempted to rescue Casey. Casey was slung to the side as Diesel and Ruger danced a fight sequence, which ended with Diesel grabbing Ruger by his arms. Ruger jumped onto Diesel’s bent leg and made it appear as if Diesel had pulled him up. Ruger back flipped away from Diesel, landed on his feet, and immediately threw himself into a roll across stage where he lie motionless. Diesel again danced sultry with Casey, who attempted to reach Ruger and get away from Diesel. Not even two minutes into the song, he slung Casey around him and gracefully onto her hip across the floor without releasing her hand. She avoided looking at him. "I Need a Hero" began drowning out "Beat It". Everyone looked around. Grey ran through the audience and leapt onto stage wearing a vintage black suit and hat with black and white saddle shoes. He ran up to Casey on the stage floor, took her arm, and spun her around him and gracefully to her feet. Diesel and Grey started a fighting dance sequence with kicks, punches, and flips that stunned the crowd. Casey slid to Ruger’s side and pretended to revive him.
In an amazing dance sequence, Grey flipped Diesel over his hip then pretended to kick him. Diesel threw himself onto his back, rolled, and then scrambled to his feet and took off backstage. Grey danced over to Casey and helped Ruger to his feet. The three of them finished out the song with an amazing dance sequence that excited the crowd. As the song ended abruptly on the lyric, "I Need a Hero", Ruger dipped Casey back with her leg high on his side, and Grey spun and landed on one knee with his hat in his hand. A massive confetti tube erupted, shooting confetti across the stage, and a banner dropped behind them that read, "Grey for Mayor". The audience jumped to their feet while wildly applauding and cheering. Everyone applauded except Melanie, who appeared somewhere between stunned and disgusted. The mayor sneered and clapped his hands together with disgust in a failed attempt not to seem bitter. Vaughn laughed, shook his head, and clapped as well.
Wiley hurried from the judge’s table and onto the stage. He yelled excitedly above the crowd. “It’s unanimous! Casey and Company are the winners of this year’s talent show!”
The crowd continued to applaud. The mayor slipped away through the crowd. Diesel joined them on stage to take a bow. Casey jumped into Ruger’s arms and hugged him. Dina joined Grey on stage and gave him a kiss of congratulations. People swarmed the stage, shook Grey’s hand, and expressed their support for him for mayor. Diesel grabbed Casey, pulled her up and into his arms, and playfully kissed her. He then tossed her back into Ruger’s awaiting arms. She kissed Ruger on the lips. He held her against him and smiled with embarrassment. People continued to congratulate them on their performance and the mayor run. Grey clung to Dina as they made their way offstage and through the excited crowd. Melanie remained in her seat with her arms folded across her chest and a look of annoyance on her face.
Casey nudged Grey as the crowd continued to swarm him. “I’m going to change, get Storm, and head home.”
“You want us to come along?” Grey asked between greeting people and shaking hands.
“No, this is your moment,” she announced with a proud smile. “You enjoy it.”
Casey headed for the changing rooms at the nearby pavilion. Ruger watched her walk away then became surrounded by several women praising his performance. Some were a little overly enthusiastic to meet him, which startled him. Just beyond the crowd toward the back of the stage, the mayor was seen arguing with Ernest, who threw his hands in the air then pointed a warning finger at him. Sheriff Holt stared across the crowd and watched the exchange between the two men. He appeared curious and slowly made his way through the crowd to get closer.
“I guess you’re happy,” Abby was heard from behind him.
Vaughn turned and looked at Abby. Her expression was that of rage and possible embarrassment.
“What do you mean?” Vaughn asked with a puzzled look while tilting his head.
“Grey running for mayor,” she retorted. “He’s going to give Lance a good run, I’m sure, and I don’t doubt you couldn’t be happier.”
“I won’t argue that,” Vaughn replied matter-of-fact while placing his thumbs down the front of his gun holster.
Abby sneered at his candid response. “You’re just going to toss Melanie over for our darling, little Casey, aren’t you? You really don’t care how much you hurt Melanie. She’s the one who really loves you.”
“We’re not having this conversation,” Vaughn boldly informed her while shaking his head. “Whatever my intentions regarding Casey don’t concern you or your daughter.”
Abby stared at him a moment, considered something, and then suddenly grinned. “Can it be?” She laughed softly in her throat. “Nothing happened between you and Casey the other night. Melanie was worked up over nothing! Casey Remington still hasn’t forgiven you!” Abby shook her head and maintained her superior attitude. “Poor, poor Vaughn. That little, teenage crush Casey had on you is just a faded memory. She’ll never be yours.”
Vaughn maintained a look of limited emotion, but his thumbs tensed beneath his holster in response. “More importantly,” he announced, “I’ll never be with Melanie.” He removed his thumbs from his holster. “If you’ll excuse me--”
He proudly walked past her. She glanced after him while attempting to look disinterested, but she was obviously bothered by his statement.
†
Casey stood before an open locker within the women’s changing room. She was once again wearing her jeans and the tank top she had worn at the kissing booth. She carelessly stuffed her sequin dress and shoes into the locker before her. She honestly didn’t care if she ever wore it again, and she hoped to God that she never saw those shoes again. Tossing them in the garbage crossed her mind only once, but she knew Grey would have something to say about it. It had been a long day, and, despite the positive outcome, she was glad it was over. A hot bath was what she wanted most, even if that meant using the whirlpool tub in her parents’ bedroom. She turned and nearly collided with Melanie, who had almost silently appeared behind her. Casey was startled to see her then relaxed. She was actually the last person Casey was expecting to see tonight. She thought she’d be off somewhere pouting or licking her wounds. Melanie’s look conveyed hostility and possible embarrassment. Whatever Melanie’s reason for confronting her, it undoubtedly wasn’t going to end well for her. Casey wasn’t in the mood, and there was the very real possibility that she was going to vent some of her hostility on Melanie if she provoked her.
“You humiliated me in front of everyone!” Melanie suddenly exclaimed while nearly down to tears.
Casey was surprised by her emotional state. She was expecting a different kind of argument, one where she would finally get to hit the little bitch. She was almost uncertain how to respond.
“Don’t be ridiculous, you performed wonderfully,” she replied, no longer feeling the need to get into an altercation. It was clear Melanie was fighting an emotional battle deep inside her. “Just because you didn’t get first place--”
“I hate you! I’ve always hated you!” Melanie lashed out as she became wildly animated. It was the first time she’d ever come out and said it. “Everyone loves Casey Remington, the little town darling!” Her tone was sarcastic and mocking. “I was always second best!”
Casey stared at her with an astonished look. She couldn’t believe Melanie resented her because she was jealous! It didn’t even seem possible. She suddenly felt as if she entered some bizarre world where nothing made sense.
“You were dating Tucker, the most popular guy in town,” Casey informed her. “You won the talent show five years in a row.”
“Four,” Melanie scoffed while folding her arms across her chest
and appeared to pout.
Casey shook her head with disbelief. She couldn’t believe she was actually coddling the spoiled, little girl who always tried to find new ways to insult and humiliate her.
“How does that make you second best?”
Melanie remained disgusted but appeared less hostile while frowning. “Tucker used me to get in good with my father,” she retorted with some embarrassment. “I really only wanted Vaughn, but he never wanted to be with me. He always wanted you; even when he thought I was carrying his baby.”
Casey was surprised by the comment. He had said some things that night while drunk in her kitchen, but she didn’t realize how deep it went. She now lost all enthusiasm to fight with Melanie and took a different approach.
“Resenting me isn’t going to solve anything,” Casey gently informed her.
Melanie appeared to lose her strength, groaned softly, and held her head. “You’re right,” she said softly. “I should have known he’d always want you. Tucker told me how Vaughn saved you from that sexual assault, and how emotional he got when he thought you’d died. Not that Vaughn ever shared those emotions with me.” Melanie frowned and appeared to pout. “The most emotion I ever got out of him was relief that I wasn’t pregnant and anger that I’d lied about it.” She stared blankly at the floor and appeared distant. “After you’d left,” she said softly, “Vaughn would actually go to your house and sit on your porch for hours.”
“I didn’t know that,” Casey said softly with surprise. “Did he tell you that?”
She snorted a laugh. “No, he never shared anything with me, especially how he felt about you.” Melanie frowned with a look of embarrassment. “I’m ashamed to admit it, but I followed him a couple of times. When he caught me, I questioned him. He said he was hoping to find some clue to solve the murders, but I know it was because he never got over you,” she remarked sadly.
Despite the thoughts and emotions running through Casey’s head, she knew she needed to say something. She could easily crush Melanie’s frail ego after what must have been the worst day of her life, but she no longer wanted to destroy this woman.
“You need to move on, Melanie,” Casey said gently. “There are plenty of guys out there who are crazy about you.”
“You think so?” She smiled weakly and appeared tense. “So, uh, what’s the deal with the big guy?”
“Diesel?” Casey asked with surprise then snorted a laugh. “If you’re looking for some fun time in the sack, he’s your man. Anything more serious, avoid him at all costs.”
“Were you and he--?”
“Never,” Casey quickly interjected, appeared almost humored, and then added an uneasy chuckle.
Melanie suddenly appeared pleased. “Would you be willing to give him my number?” she asked timidly. “I think I could use a little casual fun.”
Casey smiled and nodded. “Absolutely.”
Her look again turned serious. “I’m sorry for being a bitch toward you,” Melanie announced and attempted a smile. “I know why everyone in town loves you; I just could never admit it to myself.” She appeared awkward but sincere. “Could we maybe start over?”
“I’d like that,” Casey replied.
It was possibly the strangest day Casey had ever had. She kissed over one hundred men, helped elevate her brother onto a pedestal she feared from which he’d never come down, overpaid for a slightly used sheriff, and now she was actually having a grown-up conversation with the woman who’d dedicated her life to making Casey miserable. Did she just suddenly turn into her mother? Casey reconsidered. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to sheath her claws just yet.
†
Deputy Tucker made his way through the crowd still surrounding Grey, who was discussing his mayor campaign. He was in his glory talking with different business owners, mill workers, and farmers, all eager to show their support. Dina stood by Grey’s said and appeared proud to be with him. Ruger and Diesel were conspicuously missing, possibly to change out of their dance costumes. Tucker approached Dina and pulled her aside, startling her. His look was serious and immediately made her nervous.
“Is something wrong?” Dina asked the handsome deputy.
He appeared reluctant to respond. “I don’t know if I should say anything,” he began then fidgeted, “but one of our temp police officers arrested your mother.”
Dina rolled her eyes and snorted a laugh. “That’s not news, Deputy Tucker,” she replied callously. “Was it prostitution? Drunk and disorderly? It’s not like I haven’t heard it before.”
Tucker drew a deep breath and stared at her with uncertainty. “A little of both, I’m afraid,” he informed her. “But it turned into an altercation. She’d been beaten pretty badly outside the tavern. They took her to the police station. She asked for you.”
She stared at Tucker and appeared uncertain how to respond. Grey slowly approached while observing the exchange.
“Everything okay?” Grey asked.
“Uh, yeah,” Dina informed him while fidgeting. She attempted a smile and affectionately patted his chest. “I, uh, need to go see my mother.”
The look on Grey’s face was almost shocked. “Your mother?” It was as if he immediately felt her conflicted emotions. She hadn’t referred to Olivia as her mother since she was in high school. “Do you want me to come along?”
“No,” she said almost too quickly then attempted a smile. “I mean, that’s not a good idea. I should probably go alone.”
Grey uncertainly nodded.
“I could give you a ride,” Tucker announced. “I should find the arresting officer and get the report from him.”
“Actually,” Dina said softly, “I think I’d rather go by myself. I need time to think, and the walk will do me some good.”
“Yeah, sure,” Tucker replied. “I understand.” He attempted a smile and walked away.
Grey took her hands in his and appeared sympathetic. “Take my jeep. I’ll walk you to the parking lot,” he firmly announced. “I’ll ride home with the guys.”
“Are you sure?” Dina asked.
Grey smiled and nodded. He kissed her quickly on the lips then caressed her shoulders. “And if you need me, just call.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
The stable area beyond the bustling fairgrounds was quiet in the darkened, evening hours. The fair was still going strong, and, as far as Casey could tell, there was still a large crowd surrounding the stage area. Grey was going to be busy for a few more hours while playing it up to his adoring fans. As she saddled her horse, she couldn’t help but be happy for her brother and the evening he was enjoying in the spotlight. She saw Vaughn approach with his baton flashlight. Casey offered a tiny smile and finished saddling Storm. Now that the talent show was over and Grey was officially throwing his hat into the political arena, she no longer felt the need to spar with Sheriff Holt. Was she one step closer to being declawed?
“Sheriff--”
Vaughn stopped near her and patted the horse’s large rump. His eyes strayed to the massive scar along his hindquarters. He looked back at Casey.
“Are you sure you want to ride through those dark woods? You can leave your horse here. I’ll give you a ride home.” He offered a teasing smile. “I’ll even let you ride up front for a change.”
“Thanks, but Storm had a long day, and I sort of promised him a little playtime with the mares tonight,” she replied.
Vaughn leaned on the horse’s rump and studied her. There was obviously plenty on his mind. “That, uh, was quite a show you and your friends put on tonight. So, uh, how long have you been planning that?”
“Nearly two years.”
Vaughn snorted a laugh and shook his head. It was as if the world suddenly made sense. “Is that why you and Grey came back? So he could run for mayor?”
Casey grinned in response. “While he was recovering, it became his obsession to realize our father’s dream and end the corruption in Darwood Falls.”
“And you couldn’
t have told me that?”
“Corruption runs deep, Sheriff,” she announced firmly. “I never believed you were involved, but your history with Melanie didn’t sit well with the others.”
He appeared uncomfortable and straightened. “Melanie was a drunken one-night stand followed by several weeks of lies to keep me in her life.”
“I know,” Casey said gently while staring into his dark eyes. “What she did to you was wrong, but her mistreatment of you was nothing compared to mine.”
Vaughn appeared bewildered as his arm slipped off the horse’s rump and watched her without comment. She shrugged and was no longer able to look him in the eyes.
“I was consumed with guilt over my parents’ death, and I took it out on you.” She finally met his gaze with a strange but sincere look in her eyes. She released a shaken breath. It was difficult even talking about the attack. “You shot that man three times in the chest even though we both know he was surrendering.”
Vaughn suddenly tensed to the comment. He had led the entire town, including Wiley, to believe he shot the man after he stabbed Casey, but he conveniently left out the part that the killer had been surrendering.
“Don’t worry, Sheriff. No one will ever hear it from me,” she softly informed him. “I know you did that for me. I was wrong for blaming you.” She stared into his dark eyes with all sincerity. “Deep down, I always knew I was wrong, and I’m sorry for the way I treated you. You saved my life, and I never even thanked you.” She gently placed her hand on his badge without taking her eyes from his. “Thank you, Vaughn.”
Vaughn stared at her a moment as if uncertain how to respond then suddenly pulled her against him and held her in a tight embrace. Casey uncertainly returned the embrace. Vaughn buried his face in her hair and sighed softly as if some terrible burden had finally been lifted.
“Thank you, Casey,” he said softly with a quiver in his voice. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
Casey pulled back just far enough to meet his gaze. She was in no hurry to pull away from him. She wanted to be in his arms, and she was no longer afraid to admit it. She caressed his badge and smiled timidly. “You know, I never told anyone except Dina, but when I was fifteen and saw you in your uniform for the first time, I had such a crush on you.”
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